Which PC should I get for SC4?

[philforhockey51 4,203]

I'd like to purchase a standalone computer(desktop) which will simply run SC4 Rush Hour (I have the discs). No internet, no other real use. Plugins will be downloaded and transferred from another machine. I've read many of the other forum topics and some have been really helpful and others have blown right over the top of my head in technical information. Let's put my computer/SC4 tech knowledge at I know how to deal with Plugins. I am hoping my fellow members can provide a few machines as options with a basic common layout (something like below, suggestions additions welcome), and that this can help others, in making a decision. Any comments or questions to help clear up the request are appreciated, and please no fighting over which machine is better, constructive criticism only please.

 

 

Model/Make:

 

Tech Info:

 

Cost:

 

Where to Buy:

 

Additional Equip/Info:

 

 

[Mister Giggles 310]

If you're in the USA, Newegg.com is the place to buy your computer things.

 

As to the computer things, hardware-wise, damn near everything made within the last 5 years will run SimCity 4 perfectly as long as you make the proper graphics rules.sgr and single core tweaks. The only consistent trouble I've seen is from integrated graphics chips - avoid 'em at all costs. Standalone graphics cards ONLY. Based on a skimming of Newegg, you're looking at the $650+ range to get a decent standalone card:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229496

 

Something like that.

 

There's a problem with buying a complete computer desktop. Windows 8 is the operating system that ships with (most) computers sold these days and I've seen a lot of complaints from people trying to run SC4 on it. You'll want to buy a license for Windows 7 and reformat the computer to use it instead of 8.

 

You'll also want to consider purchasing a solid state drive and use that instead of the hard drive that comes with the computer. All things equal, SimCity 4 spends about half its initial load time grabbing things from the hard drive. You'll cut out a lot of load time with a SSD, but they aren't as cheap as a bog standard hard drive.

 

You may wish to purchase the game from GOG.com. This does three things: First, it eliminates the need for a disk in the CD-ROM drive or disk images; second, it allows you to load the game just a bit quicker due to the removal of the disk check; third, the game is fully patched from the get go.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

if you can, purchase a refurbished desktop from any reputable dealer, preferably with Windows 7.  If you don't connect any phone or internet cables, you'll have what you want, but you'll also have the option to connect.  Shouldn't run you very much money.  Think about using the peripheral gear you already have.

 

The last time I did this, I got a new machine which had a 500 GB HDD, 4 GB memory, optical disk drive, internet chip, and on-board graphics for less than $600 Cdn.  Dealer insisted I take the included keyboard.  I just ported all my other peripherals.  The internet chip died of infant mortality and I replaced it for $20.  I run cable broadband.

 

You will need both published patches to bring your game up to version 1,1,640 but will still need the play disk in the CD drive.

 

All things being equal, you would be better off to purchase a new digital copy from Amazon, GOG.com, or GamersGate.com to get version 1,1,641 which is fully patched and diskless.  You can load its installer out on a thumb drive and install it from there.

[philforhockey51 4,203]

Great Thank You Guys/Moose really helpful